Master Diver Course in Frankfurt

The highest level in recreational diving – independent, competent, safe

Back to Advanced & Specialties
Back to Advanced & Specialties

The Master Diver certification is the highest level in recreational diving training—just one step away from professional training. As a Master Diver, you have demonstrated that you can plan, execute, and debrief dives independently.

You’ll build on the skills you learned in the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses, learn rescue procedures, and independently complete challenging dives to depths of up to 30 meters. Upon completing the course and logging 25 additional dives, you’ll receive your Master Diver certification.

In other organizations, the Master Diver certification is roughly equivalent to a combination of the Rescue Diver and Master Scuba Diver certifications.

An underwater photo showing two divers in front of a large coral reef, with the text "Master Diver" and the SWIB logo next to it.

In a nutshell

Diving depth Up to 30 meters (or 40 meters with the Deep Specialty) independently with a buddy
Minimum age 16 years
Prerequisite Advanced Open Water Diver / Diver *
Theory 6 lessons + written exam
Practical 5 certification dives (12–25 meters, min. 15 min.)
Dives 25 dives required after certification
Certification S.U.B. International Master Diver certification card (ISO)

Why become a Master Diver at the Frankfurt Dive Center?

01
Small groups — maximum individual attention at this level

02
A clear training path from OWD through AOWD to Master Diver, all under one roof

03
Solid rescue training — practical, not theory-heavy

06
A direct foundation for Dive Leader and instructor training

04
S.U.B. International Certification — internationally recognized (ISO)

May
: Open-water dives in lakes around Frankfurt

Course Structure

Requirements

  • Advanced Open Water Diver * or equivalent certification

  • Minimum age: 16

  • Fitness for diving

  • Proof of swimming ability: Swim 50 meters, float for 10 minutes

  • Completed specialized courses in navigation and group leadership

  • CPR & First Aid (no more than 1 year old) — recommended

  • For minors: written consent from both parents

Theory training — 6 class periods

The theory portion consists of 6 lessons and concludes with a written exam. The course content builds on the knowledge gained in the prerequisite courses and expands it to include rescue techniques, emergency management, and advanced dive planning.

Practical training — 5 dives

All exam dives take place in open water at depths of 12–25 meters and last at least 15 minutes. The exam requirements include:

  • Underwater Communication — Sending and Receiving Signals

  • Buoyancy control at varying depths — no disturbance of sediment

  • Controlled ascent without fins starting at 6 meters, 3-minute safety stop at 9 meters

  • Compass navigation at a distance of 100 meters with a maximum lateral deviation of 10 meters

  • Equipment check on your buddy — putting on and taking off gear, weight belt underwater

  • Dive preparation, execution, and debriefing as an independent diver

  • Simulation of an in-flight emergency involving an alternative air supply

  • Rescue of an injured diver from a depth of 12 meters to the shore (at least 50 meters)

  • Demonstration of the one-rescuer method, the recovery position, and the shock position

  • Creating a dive log for the emergency physician

  • 15 minutes of snorkeling with full DTG gear

After the course — 25 dives

The Master Diver certification will be issued as soon as you can document 25 additional dives after becoming a Master Diver. You document these dives in your logbook—no additional course is required.

What is included in the course?

  • 6 theory sessions with a written exam

  • 5 open-water certification dives (lake fees included)

  • S.U.B. Digital Learning Access

  • Master Diver Certification Card — digital + physical

  • Personal Logbook

Already certified by PADI, SSI, or another organization? Comparable certifications are generally accepted. We’ll assess your current status during a personal consultation.

Requirements for participation

  • Advanced Open Water Diver * or equivalent certification

  • Minimum age: 16

  • Fitness for diving

  • Specialized Courses in Navigation and Group Leadership

  • Proof of swimming ability

  • CPR & First Aid (recommended; must have been completed within the last year)

What comes after the Master Diver certification?

With the Master Diver certification, you have reached the highest level in recreational diving. The next logical step is the Dive Leader — the preliminary stage of professional diving instructor training. The Dive Leader certification qualifies you to lead dive groups independently.

Alternatively, there are many specialty courses to further deepen your skills in specific areas—for example, sidemount, dry suit diving, or technical diving as a long-term goal.

Dive Leader
Dive Leader
Discover Specialties
Discover Specialties

The Master Diver course is offered upon request. Contact us to schedule a personal consultation—we’ll discuss your current progress and plan the course together with you.

Request a quote now
Request a quote now